COVID has changed many facets of the well-established systems. Few amongst them are good old institutions like family, marriage and kinship. Pandemic has brought with it too much stress in the family relations that divorce rate has seen an uptick. It can be because of lack of personal space or coming close to not so comfortable personality traits of your partner. Separation is definitely become one of the sad truths of lock down period. Simultaneously, pandemic had closed down mediation channels further rising the frustration among the sparring couple. In such circumstances, online mediation proved to be a savior for separating couples. At times, it is easy to be away from the negative energy the other person carries around. It is particularly beneficial when there is no or little communication between the partners or when they cannot stand to see each other’s face.
Impact of online mediation:
Strangely, online mediation has resulted in positive response. More and more partners are readily agreeing to online process, even though they do not have a specific reason to do so. People who are video conference averse in the pre-pandemic era, thanks to zoom, are now actively choosing for this option. It was found that they are experiencing less stress and anxiety they experience when in close proximity to their ex-partner. In the post-covid era, the family counselling centers are facilitating meetings via FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype for easy communication.
Benefits of online family mediation:
As online family mediations are making life easy for separating couples and mediators as well, the question remains, if face-to-face mediation will have any relevance in the future. Covid or Covid like diseases are highly likely to invade the world frequently. Because of the potential risks they carry, the service business world over is going digital and mediation is no exception. Further, family mediation services can reduce their fees, for lowered spending on hiring meeting rooms and travelling.
Pitfalls of online family mediation:
Online mediation is the easiest way to hold a meeting. That does not mean the process is fair to all the parties. If any of the parties does not have the required equipment or other necessary technical requirement like internet, knowledge of accessing the equipment, downloading the software, etc., they will be losing the chance to reap the intended benefits of online mediation. Digital transactions are always under the threat of privacy and security breaches. What if someone gets access to the information? What if someone impersonates? Such questions send jitters because of the sensitivity of the issue at hand. In addition, unintentional breaches like someone overhearing the conversation or getting access to pass codes are equally scary.
Conclusion:
A professional and responsible mediation agency will ensure utmost care to protect the digitally vulnerable client data. They always use encrypted tele-conferencing services and adopt only confidential content pathways to prevent data leaks. Online family mediation by Your Family Mediation checks all these boxes making sure their clients’ data is safe and privacy undisturbed. Clearly, placing trust on mediator is not restricted to his mediating abilities but also on his technical know-how. Hope you agree!